By Dianne Anderson

Year after year, Juneteenth is all about live performances, interactive art, youth programming, nonstop good eats, the community coming together, and the laughs.

It’s all about the fun – almost all.

Mostly, it’s about national celebrations with an undeniable undercurrent of commitment to never forget one of the most oppressive, inhumane, times in world history – so that history never repeats itself.

On the upside, community organizers are calling the whole village out for a free family-focused day of activities, music, foodies for cook-offs, art installations, skate demos, youth-led pageants and sports tournaments.

Community advocate organizer, Vickie Davis, said it’s the meaning behind the movement.

Now in its third year, their June 19 event breaks out the area’s most vibrant festivities at Alec Fergusson Park in Rialto from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., located at 2395 W. Sunrise Dr. in Rialto.

They are still seeking volunteers to roll up their sleeves, and sponsors to help keep the event free and overflowing with resources. Vendors have time to submit applications, and everyone is welcome, from small businesses to nonprofits, food trucks to local artists.

Davis said it’s an important time of year.

“Juneteenth Jam is really meant to be a collective that supports the infrastructure of our community beyond the celebration of our freedom and our culture,” said Vickie Davis, event organizer and founder of Juneteenth Jam.

It’s grown over the years, and she is encouraged by the many partnerships with local business owners, up and coming entrepreneurs, helping bring attention to the programming they offer year round, before and beyond Juneteenth.

This year, event highlights include a “3 on 3″ women’s basketball and flag football tournaments and competition, book giveaways, a full spectrum of vendors, community resources and vendors selling goods, services and food.

“We’ll have a live jazz band. We’re going to be doing line dancing. We have so much going on,” she said. “We really are popping. We are poppin’ our stuff.”

Local chefs will cook up good eats with their Juneteenth cookoff competition, including Chef2TheBone and Mr. Tastebudz, along with up and coming chefs and the crowning of the top chefs.

Applications are still being accepted for the Miss Juneteenth Scholarship pageant, for the young lady who demonstrates We Shall Overcome resilience, and determination will take home the prize. Other events include a skateboard giveaway, with demos and training and professional skaters at the skatepark.

“We’ll have a car display. We’re maximizing every single part of that park so kids and families of our community can shine and feel the spirit of what it is when we come together and support each other and help one another,” said Davis, who is also a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist.

Masterclasses will trace ancestry, and another class for mindfulness and meditation. The event is a labor of love, and for folks not yet ready for prime time, she helps get their businesses streamlined and ready.

“I understand that Black-owned businesses sometimes have a hard time with paperwork, I help behind the scenes getting business licenses, support them, help food vendors get the right permits so that we are airtight,” she said.

Also going big this Juneteenth, the City of Long has back-to-back Black brilliance, fun and games, culture, and endless food.

On Saturday, June 14, Rainbow Lagoon Park morphs into the 2025 Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration full-day tribute to Black culture, vibes of history, joy, and legacy featuring headliner Lalah Hathaway and other local artists. The free event runs from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach.

There, the community will show up for a day of style, live performances, food vendors, and celebrate what’s become synonymous with the local cultural family reunion. Kids will have enough to keep them busy with copious face painting and games.

The following Saturday, June 21, organizers are gearing up for their celebrations loud and proud at Martin Luther King Jr. Park and calling all community out for fun from noon to 5:00 p.m. That event is located at 1950 Lemon Ave, Long Beach.

Daylong festivities have live music, history, good beats and good eats and Black-owned vendors will break out everything from jerk chicken to handmade jewelry. Parents will vibe on classic soul while the kids race through games.

“Each year, Juneteenth at King Park brings together families, artists, educators, and leaders in a vibrant celebration of liberation and heritage. Rooted in the legacy of emancipation and fueled by the spirit of community, this event is more than a festival—it’s a movement,” their website says.

For more information on:
Rialto Juneteenth Jam, see https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rialto-juneteenth-jam-2025-registration-1270010207719

Juneteenth at King Park, see https://juneteenthatkingpark.com

The Long Beach event, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2025-long-beach-juneteenth-celebration-tickets-1234860614339